Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Iraq aims to strengthen health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage and related Sustainable Development Goals. This UNV assignment, in collaboration with WHO Iraq, focuses on enhancing community and youth engagement through inclusive, participatory approaches. The initiative supports the meaningful involvement of youth, civil society, and community networks in public health, promoting social inclusion and empowerment for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. The role contributes to coordination, awareness-raising, and implementation of activities that boost community participation and equitable access to services.

Job Purpose

This United Nations Volunteer assignment with WHO Iraq focuses on strengthening community and youth engagement via inclusive, participatory, and people-centered methods. The role aims to foster meaningful engagement of youth, civil society organizations, and community networks in public health and development initiatives. It emphasizes social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. The assignment will contribute to coordination, awareness-raising, community mobilization, and implementing activities that enhance community participation, resilience, and equitable access to opportunities and services. The UNV will collaborate with WHO, ministries, youth groups, and community stakeholders to support youth-led actions, inclusive strategies, disability inclusion, and multisectoral collaboration aligned with national priorities.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the planning, coordination, and implementation of community and youth engagement activities in partnership with WHO Iraq, relevant ministries, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders. The role focuses on strengthening inclusive community participation and promoting equitable engagement of vulnerable and marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and youth, in health and development initiatives. Responsibilities include supporting coordination with committees focused on vulnerable populations and disability inclusion, facilitating dialogue, and contributing to community-based approaches that enhance inclusion, accessibility, social participation, and resilience. Key duties involve assisting in the development and dissemination of health awareness materials, implementing health promotion campaigns, supporting outreach to youth groups and communities, and promoting community participation in public health programs. The volunteer will also help organize meetings and events, contribute to documentation and reporting, identify youth-led approaches for public health awareness, and support advocacy efforts related to inclusion and healthy behaviors.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of professional experience is required, with at least 2 years of relevant experience in community engagement, youth empowerment, health promotion, volunteer coordination, social mobilization, public health, disability inclusion, or community-based programs. Experience with vulnerable and marginalized populations, including persons with disabilities, is desirable. Previous work with national/international organizations, civil society, or youth networks is beneficial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools is desirable. Fluency in English is required.

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills and expertise areas encompass communication, advocacy, public information, community development, project management, program development, and strategy. The role requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with an ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders in a culturally sensitive manner.

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